An Enhanced Multi-Level Authentication Electronic Voting System

Originally, manual voting systems are surrounded with issues like results manipulation, errors and long result computation time, ineligible voters, void votes among others. Electronic voting system helped in overcoming the challenges with manual voting system, to engendered other problems of phishing, men in the middle attack alongside voter’s impersonation. By these challenges, the integrity of an election results in a distributed system has become another top concern for e-voting system based on reliability. To achieve an improved voters’ authentication and result validation with excellent user experience, here, a Facial Recognition Electronic Voting System that is power-driven by Blockchain Technology was developed. The entire election engineering activities are decentralised with improved security features to enhance transparency, verifiability, and accountability for each vote count. The self-service voting system was built by smart contract and implemented on the Ethereum network. The obtained reports and evaluations reflected a non-editable and self-sufficiently certifiable system for voting. It also has a competitive edge over fingerprint enabled e-voting system. Aside it’s excellent usability and general acceptance, the developed method discarded to a larger extend, intended fraudulent actions from election activities by eliminating the involvement of a middleman while facilitating privacy, convenience, eligibility and satisfactory voters’ righ

Women’s perception on rights during pregnancy and childbirth

Background: The Nigerian health system as a whole has been plagued by problems associated with the quality of service, including but not limited to unfriendly staff attitudes to patients, inadequate skills, decaying infrastructures, and chronic shortages of essential drugs. Approximately two-thirds of all Nigerian women deliver outside of health facilities and without the presence of medically skilled attendants.  The study was carried out to assess the awareness and knowledge of women regarding their rights during pregnancy and childbirth, and to explore the extent to which women’s rights were respected during pregnancy and childbirth.Methods: This descriptive study was conducted among randomly selected 140 women at Mother and Child Hospital, Akure, Ondo state, Nigeria. Data was collected with a pretested questionnaire and was analysed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.Results: Findings revealed that majority (76.9%) of the women had a fair knowledge of their rights in pregnancy and childbirth, with the source of knowledge majorly from their friends. Right to information, informed consent and refusal, even distribution of healthcare services, maintenance of attainable level of health regarding proper monitoring were fairly observed by the health care providers. Right of women against verbal and physical abuse, privacy, treatment with dignity and respect were least accorded to women.Conclusions: Respective Maternity Care remains a challenge that demands policy interventions in most public health facilities to enhance positive endorsement and utilisation of maternal and health care services

Studies of Salt Water intrusion in Opobo/Nkoro Rivers State Using Geophysical and Hydrochemical Methods

Salt water intrusions into fresh water aquifers in Opobo town in Nkoro L.G.A, Rivers state is becoming an issue of concern to the community, and as such requires detailed analysis through an integration of qualitative (geo-electric) and quantitative (hydrochemical) methods. Twenty vertical electrical soundings (VES) labelled as O/MSC/01 to O/MSC/20 and three 2D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) data were acquired in the area. Results from interpretation of the twenty VES profiles showed 4 geo-electric layers, which are topsoil, sand, sandy clay and clay. In VES geo-electric sections, it was observed that salt intrusions occur at depths of 43.135m, 55.20m, 43.528m, 51.63m, and 28.357m along O/MSC/02, O/MSC/05, O/MSC/07, O/MSC/11 and O/MSC/15 profiles respectively. No salt intrusion was observed in O/MSC/01, O/MSC/04, O/MSC/09, O/MSC/10, O/MSC/12 and O/MSC/14 within the depth investigated. Results of 2D imaging along VES profiles 10, 11 and 12, show salt intrusions observed along the three profiles at different depths within the subsurface. Along profile O/MSC/10, saltwater intrusions (with resistivity range of 59.2Ωm-60.1Ωm) was observed at depth of 7.59-9.59m at lateral distance of 34.0-36.0m and depth of 5.59-7.59m at lateral distance of 94-96m. Along profile O/MSC/11 salt intrusions (with resistivity range of 58.8Ωm-59.2Ωm) was observed at depth of 2.59-5.59m at lateral distance of 28-40m, and 110-128m, while along profile O/MSC/12 salt intrusions (with resistivity range of 14.5-20Ωm) was observed at depth of 3.59-5.59m at lateral distance of 112-118m. These findings were not observed in VES surveys along similar profiles where 2D ERT was carried out. 3D map computed to connect aquifers within the third geo-electric layers for VES points 1-20, showed that within the third geo-electric layers for O/MSC/02, 05, 07, 11, 16, 17, and 20 lies saline water. The reliability of these results was validated by results from quantitative assessment of physiochemical parameters (PH, electrical conductivity (EC), and total hardness) and hydrochemical contents (HCO3-, Na+, K+, CL-, and SO42-) used to evaluate the ionic abundance of water samples taken from seven wells/boreholes in the area. PH values of 6.40-6.90 were predominant in the samples which indicates slight acidity and unsuitable for human consumption, EC values in the order of 1705μS/cm, & 1853.74μS/cm were obtained and total dissolved Solids (TDS) was in the order of 700.30mg/l & 750.02mg/l. Elevated EC values in water is indicative of high ionic abundance, and is diagnostic to salinity of the water as reflected in the 1D and 2D geo-electric surveys. However, the study area also contains fresh water aquifers lying within the third geo-electric layers for VES profiles O/MSC/01, 03, 06, 08, 09, 10, 12, and 18, hence a water supply tube well can be drilled in these areas for groundwater production but the water should be subjected to hydrochemical test to ascertain its level of contamination and prior treatments before human consumption. Keywords: Saltwater Intrusion, Groundwater, Vertical electrical sounding (VES), Electrical resistivity  tomography (ERT), Geo-electric section

VARIATION OF SOIL MORPHOLOGICAL PROPERTIES ALONG A LITHOSEQUENCE ON BASEMENT COMPLEX GEOLOGY OF NIGERIA

Morphological properties are inherent properties that expressed the nature and properties of the parent material from which soils are formed. The variation of morphological properties of soils was evaluated along a lithosequence of soils formed from schists and older granite in the basement complex geology of Nigeria. The soils were mapped and the morphological properties were described on the field following the standard procedure. The colour of soils on schists ranged from 5YR, 7.5YR to 10YR (moist) while on older granite itranged from 2.5YR, 5YR, 7.5YR to 10YR (moist), all the soils on older granite have sandy loam texture at the surface and there is increase in cohesion down the depth of the profiles of soils studied. There were variations in colour, texture and structure between the parent materials and horizons (p≤0.05). The pedogenic processes observed are: plinthization, humification, melanization,  braunification, ferritization, ferralitic weathering, elluviation and illuviation (argilluviation), insitu weathering and faunal pedoturbation. The following soil management options were recommended: construction of contour ridges along with the maintenance of plant cover, utilization of wetland areas for fisheries and dry season farming, maintenance of plant cover, incorporation of crop residues and soil crusting.&nbsp

Seismic Interpretation and Petrophysical Analysis for Evaluation of Ataga Field, Onshore Niger Delta, Nigeria

The majority of geophysical survey in hydrocarbon exploration and production sector is driven by the ability to describe reservoirs. This research is aimed at describing the interpretation and petrophysical analysis of the reservoirs in Ataga field Niger Delta using a combination of seismic and well-log data. The Ataga Field in the Niger Delta was subjected to 3-D seismic interpretation and petrophysical study to perform comprehensive structural interpretation, prospect evaluation, and volumetric calculation. Two reservoir windows “1” and “2” were identified and correlated from four wells ATA 10, ATA 11, ATA 5 and ATA 7. Detailed evaluation was done on well ATA 11 since it is the only well that has sufficient data for both qualitative and quantitative interpretation. Structural interpretation for inline 5731 revealed fifteen faults on the seismic vertical section through ATA 11, most of which are antithetic faults while the rest are synthetic faults. Top and base of each reservoir window was delineated from the well. Result of the petrophysical assessment of reservoir A, B and C for ATA 11 revealed that the porosity values range from (24 -29) % which are indicative of very good to excellent porosity value according to Rider (1996). While the permeability values range from (1887-2582) mD were obtained from the three reservioir A, B and C of ATA 11 which depict very good to excellent reservoir units. Since, .all of the wells were discovered to have hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir formations (sandstones), the integration of structural interpretation and well logs have successfully revealed that the reservoirs are mostly oil-bearing zones

Vestibular loss disrupts visual reactivity in the alpha EEG rhythm

The alpha rhythm is a dominant electroencephalographic oscillation relevant to sensory-motor and cognitive function. Alpha oscillations are reactive, being for example enhanced by eye closure, and suppressed following eye opening. The determinants of inter-individual variability in reactivity in the alpha rhythm (e.g. changes with amplitude following eye closure) are not fully understood despite the physiological and clinical applicability of this phenomenon, as indicated by the fact that ageing and neurodegeneration reduce reactivity. Strong interactions between visual and vestibular systems raise the theoretical possibility that the vestibular system plays a role in alpha reactivity. To test this hypothesis, we applied electroencephalography in sitting and standing postures in 15 participants with reduced vestibular function (bilateral vestibulopathy, median age = 70 years, interquartile range = 51-77 years) and 15 age-matched controls. We found participants with reduced vestibular function showed less enhancement of alpha electroencephalography power on eye closure in frontoparietal areas, compared to controls. In participants with reduced vestibular function, video head impulse test gain - as a measure of residual vestibulo-ocular reflex function - correlated with reactivity in alpha power across most of the head. Greater reliance on visual input for spatial orientation ('visual dependence', measured with the rod-and-disc test) correlated with less alpha enhancement on eye closure only in participants with reduced vestibular function, and this was partially moderated by video head impulse test gain. Our results demonstrate for the first time that vestibular function influences alpha reactivity. The results are partly explained by the lack of ascending peripheral vestibular input but also by central reorganisation of processing relevant to visuo-vestibular judgements

Assessment of Subsurface Competency Using Geotechnical Method of a Proposed Structure F.C.T Nigeria

Structural failure has been recently happenings mostly in the commercially populated states along the coastal line in Nigeria. As a result, an open field at a chosen location in Abuja, Nigeria, was investigated. For the purpose of this study, test bores were drilled and Standard Penetration Tests (SPT) were conducted at every 1.5 m interval up to a maximum depth of 12.0 m with the bearing pressure ranging between 20 kN/m2 and 1000 kN/m2 . 3 test bores’ were drilled within the plot location, and samples were obtained at the test bores locations for laboratory analysis. Findings revealed that subsurface lithology found at the site within the explored depths of 0.0 ~ 12.0 m is mostly silty sand, laterite, sandy clay, silty clay, clayey sand, and weathered rock. The findings from the sub-soils of the different places and their bearing pressures were computed with SPT N value. Building foun dations may be rigid raft foundations at a depth of 2.0 meters below the present ground level, according to bearing capacity values that range from 20 kN/m2 to 60 kN/m2 at 1.5 to 3.0 meters. The recommended building foundations take into account the sub-soil’s characteristics at the drilling places at a depth of between 1.0 and 3.0 meters. The structure might also be supported by frictional piles buried 10 meters beneath the surface.

Hydrocarbon Play Assessment of “Oswil” Field,Onshore Niger Delta Region

Hydrocarbon play assessment of any field involves the evaluation of the production capacity of hydrocarbon reservoir unit in the field. This involves detail study of the reservoir petrophysical properties and geological interpretation of structures suitable for hydrocarbon accumulation in the field as observed from seismic reflection images. This study details the assessment of hydrocarbon play in OSWIL field onshore in Niger Delta, with the intent of appraising its productivity using a combination of seismic, well logs,petrophysical parameters and volumetric estimation using proven techniques which involves an integrated methodology. Two reservoir windows “R1” and “R2” were defined from five wells OSWIL-02, 04, 06, 07 and 12.The top and base of each reservoir window was delineated from the wells.Structural interpretation for inline 6975 revealed two horizons (X and Y) and eight faults labelled (F1, F2, F6, F8, F10, F16, F17 and F18). Five faults (F1, F6, F10, F17 and F18) were identified as synthetic faults and dip basin wards while three faults (F2, F8 and F16) were identified as antithetic faults and dips landwards. Time-depth structural map at top of reservoirs R1 and R2 revealed structural highs and closures. These observations are characteristics of growth structures (faults) which depicts the tectonic style of the Niger Delta. Results of petrophysical evaluation for reservoirs “R1” and “R2” across the five wells were analysed. For reservoir “R1” effective porosity values of 27%, 26%, 23%, 20% and 22% were obtained for wells OSWIL-04, 12, 07, 06 and 02 respectively with an average of 23.6%, while for reservoir “R2” effective porosity values of 26%, 22%, 21%, 24% and 23% for wells OSWIL-04, 12, 07, 06 and 02 were obtained respectively with an average of 23.2%. This porosity values correspond with the already established porosity range of 28-32% within the Agbada formation of the Niger Delta. Permeability index of the order (K > 100mD) were obtained for both reservoirs across the five wells and is rated very good. Hydrocarbon saturation (Shc) across the five wells averages at 61.6% for reservoir “R1” and 67.4% for reservoir “R2”. Result of petrophysical model for porosity, permeability and water saturation reveal that the reservoir system in R1 and R2 is fault assisted and fluid flow within both reservoirs is aided by presence of effective porosity and faulting. Volumetric estimation for both reservoirs showed that reservoir R1 contains an estimate of 455 × 106 STB of hydrocarbon in place, while reservoir R2 contains an estimate of 683 ×106 STB of hydrocarbon in place. These findings impact positively on hydrocarbon production in the field and affirm that the two reservoirs R1 and R2 are highly prospective

Improving the quality of set yoghurt using milk fat globule membrane fragments

Lacprodan PL20, a dairy ingredient that is rich in protein and polar lipids, was added into set yoghurts produced from nonhomogenized raw milk. The set yoghurts were prepared using concentrations of 2%, 4%, and 6% Lacprodan PL20, while the control sample was only supplemented with skim milk powder. The effect of Lacprodan PL20 concentrations on the physical and chemical properties, rheology, and microstructure of set yoghurt was thoroughly investigated to determine some likely improvement or changes in quality. Consequently, Lacprodan PL20 showed a gradual improvement in the set yoghurt nutritive values, water holding capacity, and apparent viscosity. The results indicated that the firmness of set yoghurt was altered which steadily improved the gel strength, especially at 4% and 6% concentrations. The fermentation process was slightly delayed at 4% and 6% concentrations and pH values were raised as Lacprodan PL20 concentration increased. The microstructures of the set yoghurts produced with Lacprodan PL20, as examined by scanning electron microscopy, revealed compacted structures with fewer and smaller holes in the gel matrices. Also, a slight color change was observed in set yoghurt using a colorimeter. These results vividly showed that Lacprodan PL20, an enriched milk fat globule membrane fragment, has the potential to improve set yoghurt quality by reducing some defects associated with set yoghurt, such as low gel strength, low dry solids, and the likes

Delirium is under-reported in discharge summaries and in hospital administrative systems: a systematic review

Background Accurate recording of delirium in discharge summaries (DS) and hospital administrative systems (HAS) is critical for patient care. Objective To systematically review studies reporting the frequency of delirium documentation and coding in DS and HAS, respectively. Method We searched Medline, Embase, PsycINFO and Web of Science databases from inception to 23 June 2021. Eligibility criteria included requiring the term delirium in DS or HAS. Screening and full-text reviews were performed independently by two reviewers. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project tool. Results The search yielded 7,910 results; 24 studies were included. The studies were heterogeneous in design and size (N=25 to 809,512). Mean age ranged from 57 to 84 years. Four studies reported only overall DS documentation and HAS coding in whole hospital or healthcare databases. Twenty studies used additional delirium ascertainment methods (e.g. chart review) in smaller patient subsets. Studies reported either DS figures only (N=8), HAS figures only (N=11), or both (N=5). Documentation rates in DS ranged from 0.1% to 64%. Coding rates in HAS ranged from 1.5% to 49%. Some studies explored the impact of race, and nurse versus physician practice. No significant differences were reported for race; one study reported that nurses showed higher documentation rates in DS relative to physicians. Most studies (N=22) had medium to high RoB. Conclusion Delirium is a common and serious medical emergency, yet studies show considerable under-documentation and under-coding in healthcare systems. This has important implications for patient care and service planning. Healthcare systems need to take action to reach satisfactory delirium documentation and coding rates